The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

     The Judiciary today (November 9) announced that enhanced security measures will be introduced at the Family Court to help ensure the safety of all judges and judicial officers, Judiciary staff and court users.

     Currently, bag inspection is being carried out for court users before entering courtrooms of the Family Court and articles such as sharp objects and liquid bottles are prohibited. Starting from November 15, in addition to bag inspections, hand-held metal detectors will be introduced for security screening at the Family Court.

     The Judiciary urges the relevant parties and other court users to arrive at the court building earlier, particularly during rush hours in early mornings, since more time may be needed before they can enter the courtrooms.

     For more information about the security measures in the Family Court, please visit the Judiciary website at www.judiciary.hk.

     A Judiciary spokesman said, "The Judiciary has all along attached great importance to security issues and has reviewed court security measures from time to time. Measures have been introduced at various court buildings over the past few years to enhance security. Further enhancement measures are being introduced in phases."

     The next phase of enhanced security measures will soon be implemented in the High Court and appropriate measures will gradually be introduced in other court buildings. Details will be announced in due course.

     "In addition, the Police's presence at the court buildings has recently been strengthened, including the stationing of police officers at the High Court and District Court premises. The Judiciary will continue to review with the Police on how the security arrangements for all levels of courts may be further enhanced," the spokesman added.

     The spokesman said, "When introducing the measures, the Judiciary has been careful to balance the need to safeguard security against operational efficiency and convenience of court users. We will implement measures on a trial basis where appropriate. Details of the arrangements may then be refined."

Ends/Thursday, November 9, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:00

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